Eulogy for Dr. John Locke

One of the most intriguing people I've ever known has just died. I don't know
how to describe him, except to say that in China or Japan he would have been
one of those slightly crazy, odd-looking but charismatic, mystical but
earthy poets, like Li Po or Basho.

In our world John Locke was a man who fought in World War II, was married to a woman
who left him for Joseph Campbell (he said), studied Zen, taught gongfu, traveled Japan
with a Shinto priest, traveled all over Europe and Asia, spoke I don't know
how many languages, communicated even if he didn't speak the language, and
never intimidated anybody unless he wanted to, despite being 6' 5" tall.

Somewhere along the way he picked up a PhD or two, too. He taught
comparative literature, and if his head was in the mystic clouds his feet
were firmly on the ground. He had a great (sometimes sly) sense of humor,
and delighted in making fun of his own 'things'--he dragged me back into
class once to repeat my horrible 'koan' joke.